The Brain and the Law

Interested in the intersection of the brain and the legal system? I direct Baylor College of Medicine's Initiative on Neuroscience and Law, which addresses how modern neuroscience will change our view of criminal behavior, punishment, rehabilitation, incentive structuring, and policy making. For readings and more information, please see NeuLaw.org.

In the wake of the Aurora movie theater shooting, many people had the same questions: What kind of derangement is indicated by the horrific acts of James Holmes? What is wrong with his brain? How will his mental state play out in the courts?

Why Brain Science Matters

McGovern Award for excellence in Communication

David was honored to receive the 2014 John J. McGovern Award for Excellence in Biomedical Education from the American Medical Writers' Assocation. Noted past recipients include authors Oliver Sacks and Abraham Verghese.